WITH Sunderland edging closer to landing Greek winger Charis Mavrias, James McClean's future appears to be in limbo with Celtic ready to look elsewhere for attacking options.
Paolo Di Canio is expected to complete his tenth summer signing later on in the week with Panathinaikos winger Mavrias, who can also play at left-back, due on Wearside for a medical on Thursday.
The deal was in doubt last week after Sunderland reportedly cooled their interest in the player because his current employers were digging their heels in over the transfer.
However, the clubs have now reached an agreement over the fee, with the Black Cats reportedly paying £1.2m up front, which will rise to £2.5m later.
Di Canio was keen to bolster his creative ranks during the transfer window and has already signed Italian winger Emanule Giaccherini, who has started on the left side on midfield with Adam Johnson on the right in Sunderland's last two pre-season outings in the Asia Trophy.
With Stephane Sessegnon capable of playing a wide role and the imminent arrival of Mavrias, McClean appears to be slipping even further down the pecking order at the Stadium of Light.
The Republic of Ireland international failed to build on his debut season in the Premier League during the last campaign and his off-field controversies have left his future at the club uncertain.
Celtic were reported to have made an inquiry for the former Derry City man over the weekend, but sources North of the border believe manager Neil Lennon is looking at Ajax's Derk Boerrigter instead.
Lennon's assistant, Gary Parker, faced the media after Celtic's friendly defeat to Borussia Monchengladbach and denied the Bhoys had made a bid for McClean.
Meanwhile, despite being heavily linked with a move away from the Stadium of Light, Sessegnon insists he is happy at the club.
Reports earlier in the summer suggested the Black Cats were willing to cash in on the Benin international as Di Canio builds his own squad, but the attack-minded player appears to be enjoying life under his new manager.
"The speculation is OK, I have no problem with that. But I'm happy at Sunderland," Sessegnon revealed.
"We've worked very well in pre-season, and hopefully we can continue like this.
"I'm enjoying it at Sunderland, and my mind is for Sunderland now."
Di Canio's arrival seemed to galvanise the 29-year-old in the latter stages of last season and Sessegnon admits the squad are in great shape following their first pre-season under the Italian.
He said: "It's a very important time, you need to have a pre-season. You need to do the hard work to start the season well.
"I think that affected me during the first few months of last season.
"But this year is different because we've had a good pre-season, with a lot of good players coming. That's made everyone work hard in training, and we've got a strong mentality too among the players.
"It looks good already for the start of the season."
Sunderland will complete their pre-season schedule when they travel to Denmark to face FC Midtjylland next week.
The game will take place at the MCH Arena in Herning, on Wednesday, August 7, in a 6pm kick-off (local time).
Ticket details for the trip to face the Danish Superliga side will be announced shortly.